Disclaimer: I do not own D N Angel

Chapter 13- She we forgive and forget

I was stunned. I could not believe what was in front of me. The person, who not only interrupts my family lives and mine, was making them go from peaceful to a weekly struggle. It was Noel.

I stood up and backed up against the wall. My body was shaking. I did not know if was from anger or if I was on the verge of tears. Either way, I was speechless.

"Erin, please. I needed to know" Noel said as she stood. Her blond-hair was falling in her face. She was crying.

"Needed to know, needed to know," I repeated, "You knew all along, didn't you. That is why you wanted to get close to Dwayne and to me"

"No" she responded with tears streamed down her cheek, "I had no idea it was Dwayne who be Dark's tamer at first. I started to figure it out, after the incident with Krad. I could not bare the thought of Dwayne being associated with Dark"

"You expect me to believe that" I raised my voice

"I was hoping it was not that way," said Noel "Erin, I never wanted do anything that would hurt you or Dwayne"

"It is a little too late for that" I said. I could not take it anymore. Balled my hand into a fist and began to approach her. Just then, Dark walked in front of me.

"Get out my way, Dark"

"No, Erin" he said calmly

"Why not, you know what she did. Not mention, what had happen because it" I retorted, shaking my in mid air

"Yes. Still, I do not want you to do anything that you might regret, later" Dark said as he gently pushed my fist down

Someone was coming down the hall. We stared at the hall entrance and then at each other. In a split second, Dark grabbed me and pulled me close to him. Then, everything went dark.

The next time I opened my eyes. I was in Dark's arms. We were flying over the city.

"You are awake," Dark said "thank goodness. I was worried that the effects last longer. If it did, your grandma would be all over me"

"What happened?" I asked

"The Police was coming. I had to get you out of there. I used a method the would transport us outside quickly"

"And Noel" I inquired

"I not sure, I think she got out in time. It is a shame that I could not get the artwork. However, she got the answers she was looking for. She will not use it again"

Afraid hearing about Noel, tears started to pour from eyes. A mixture of anger and betrayal was swelling inside me. I was not only thinking of myself. Dwayne was so close to being with her. I wonder what he felt right now.

"Erin" Dark said as he notice that I was crying

"Dark, could you set me down" I asked

"What"

"I like to walk home if you don't mind"

He nodded. He found a place to land. Once I had my feet on ground. I walked a little ways. However, I burst into tears. Dark took me into his arm. He held me for a little while.

"I am sorry, Erin" he said "I know that this is hard on you"

"Thanks" I mange to say, "Dark, How is Dwayne taking this?"

"He is upset. Just not as much as you" he said

"Why" I asked

"I don't know. Maybe because there is might be more to her story then we know," said Dwayne. Without saying a word, Dark changed back. The reason would to let Dwayne be the one comfort me. In addition, he wanted Dwayne and me to talk.

"What reason could she have? That would make her actions, anymore understandable," I said as wiped the tears from my eyes

"I cannot help but to have this feeling. She is not doing this on her own. She unwilling playing a part in all of this"

"Now, that I think about it" I said looking back at a moment with her at the sleepover "She said that she made an arrangement with her uncle. She had to do these jobs for her uncle, In order for her to stay here"

"What?" Dwayne asked, "You knew that. Why did not say anything"

"It was not my secret to tell. Besides, you not only one who is important to her, that does not know. She has not even told her parents"

He had a look in his eyes. There was frustration and sorrow. Still he had faith that she was a good person.

"What has she gotten herself into?" he asked aloud

"Was there anything she might have told you? Any hint?" I asked him

"Her great great grandfather started the cultural reform. It was one of things her uncle talked a lot"

"Are you thinking what I am thinking?" I asked

"Noel's uncle wanted to fulfill his ancestor goals"

"He is doing it through Noel" I finished his thought "I guess, after knowing that. I cannot really be mad at her"

"Yeah, but does not explain everything" Dwayne said

"Let hurry home" I told him "We needed to tell grandma and grandpa"

We got home. As soon as we approached the front door, we heard someone behind us. It sounds as someone cleared his or her throat. However, it was shaken and timid. As if, they were nervous. I turned and saw it was Noel. In one hand, she had the eyes of the spirit. In the other was a suitcase. She was in a plain white shirt and jeans.

"Noel" Dwayne whispered

"I know, that I am the last person you want to see" She began to say, "It just I have no place to go"

"What do you mean you have no place to go?" I asked

"My uncle kicked me out. I was not supposed to go to the museum. One of the guards saw me leaving"

"You were caught," asked Dwayne

"No, he only caught a glimpse of me. Still, he told the reporter"

"Therefore, your uncle found out" I said

"Once I got back, he said I was not welcome anymore"

There was a moment of silence. It was hard to know what to do. I did feel sorry for Noel. Her uncle should not have tossed her out so abruptly. Still, I felt a little angry.

Noel walked over to me. She handed me the artwork. "Even though, I am not welcome here. At least,I could give you this as a peace offering"

Then, she began to walk away."Where are you going?" Dwayne asked

"I find some place to stay"

Then, he grabbed her arm. She looked at him stunned. He put his arms around her.

"You are more than welcome here," he said

"Dwayne" she said

"How can I leave out here?" He told her "I can forgive you"

After hearing saying that, I found myself moved by action. He could have easily left her alone. Moreover, not give a care what could have happened. However, his heart was telling him to forgive her. That would be a sign. He was a mature young man.

"Erin, she is welcome, right" he asked me

"Well, I cannot say that I entirely forgive her. But that could take some time" I said

"Oh, thank you, Erin" Noel said as she hugged me

"It is fine. But you have to ready to answer some questions" I told her

"Of course, I tell you anything" Noel agree